The advent of absorbable staples represents a significant advancement in wound closure technology, combining the speed of traditional stapling with the convenience of dissolvable materials. These medical devices are primarily used to close surgical incisions beneath the skin’s surface, securing the wound without requiring a follow-up removal procedure. This technology is often called a subcuticular closure, meaning the device holds the dermis layer together while the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, heals naturally. This technique helps approximate the skin edges for optimal healing, eliminating the need for a separate clinical visit.
The Physical Appearance of Absorbable Staples
Absorbable staples do not appear on the skin’s surface like the metal staples commonly seen after a procedure. Instead, they are placed entirely underneath the top layer of skin, or epidermis, in the dermis layer. This placement means the staples themselves are not visible to the patient. The incision line often appears as a smooth, continuous line.
Sometimes the closure technique creates a slightly raised line, known as eversion, which is considered beneficial for wound healing. This eversion helps reduce tension on the wound edges and gradually flattens out over the first few weeks of recovery, contributing to a minimal scar. The key feature is the absence of the numerous puncture marks that traditional, external staples create. This method eliminates the cosmetic concern of “railroad track” scars often associated with metal staples.
The Key Differences From Metal Staples
The most significant contrast between absorbable and metal staples lies in their material composition and the subsequent patient procedure. Traditional metal staples are typically made from stainless steel or titanium and are placed externally, piercing the skin’s surface. Because they are non-absorbable, these fixtures must be physically removed by a clinician, usually between 7 to 14 days after placement, which can cause discomfort and inconvenience.
Absorbable staples, conversely, are composed of synthetic polymer copolymers, such as polylactide or a mix of polylactic and polyglycolic acid. Their design allows them to be placed within the skin layers, eliminating external skin punctures and the need for a follow-up removal appointment. This internal placement and dissolvable nature offer improved patient satisfaction and translate directly to a lower-maintenance wound and better potential cosmetic results.
The Process of Dissolution and Absorption
The disappearance of absorbable staples is a controlled biological process known as hydrolysis. This mechanism involves the reaction of the polymer material with water molecules naturally present in the body’s tissues. The staple material, often a copolymer like polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid, gradually breaks down into simpler, biocompatible compounds that are then processed and eliminated by the body.
The timeline for this dissolution varies depending on the specific polymer used, as materials are engineered to maintain strength for different periods. For many absorbable staples, the device loses a substantial portion of its tensile strength within the first few weeks post-surgery. For example, some staples may lose over 80% of their strength by three weeks. While structural support diminishes quickly, full absorption can take several months, depending on the material’s composition and the closure location. This staged process ensures the wound is supported during the initial, most intense healing phase before the closure material begins its complete breakdown.
Patient Care During the Healing Phase
Patients with absorbable closures must follow specific instructions to ensure proper wound healing. It is advised to keep the incision area dry for the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. After this initial period, showering is often permitted, but patients must avoid soaking the wound in a bath or swimming pool until a healthcare provider confirms it is safe. When cleaning the area, only gentle washing with mild soap and water is recommended, and the wound should be patted dry.
Patients should watch for common signs of infection, which require prompt medical attention. These symptoms include increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, or the presence of pus-like drainage. While minor crusting or a small amount of clear drainage can be normal, spreading redness, increased pain, or a persistent fever are signs that the healing process is compromised. Avoid applying harsh substances like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to the wound, as these can slow the natural healing process.